Challenge Course Overview
(High & Low Ropes)
The Outdoor Recreation Challenge Course events consist of two separate sections, High and Low Ropes. Both sections often accomplish many of the same goals, with the primary difference being with the High Ropes section each participant will have the additional opportunity to complete challenges or tasks while being a little higher in the air.
With the Low Ropes section, our Facilitators lead groups through various physical and intellectual challenges on or near the ground using portable initiatives or puzzles and established elements along with multiple props, planks, buckets, and telephone poles, to name a few. These portable initiatives and elements are designed to encourage group problem-solving and aim to promote team development. Low-element events have been proven to help facilitate cohesion and teamwork within groups of all sizes
The High Ropes course can accommodate a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 40 participants with events typically being booked between 3 to 4 hours.
Our Low Ropes program can accommodate groups of 8 and up to 100. Additionally, our events typically start at 2 to 3 hours but can be customized to meet the needs of your group.
What to Wear
Participants must wear closed-toed shoes. The Challenge Course involves mild activity, so you should wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for a full range of body positions.
What Not to Wear
Anything you don't want to be scratched, dented, or dropped should be removed before play. We recommend removing hazardous accessories such as watches, glasses, scarves, and any form of jewelry, dangling necklaces, earrings, or rings as they can at best get caught and damaged or at worst could cause injury.
What to Expect
We'll start with some "warm-up" games or activities that get your creativity, playful spirit, and activity level up. Some games will also help you learn new things about your peers, such as hobbies, favorite foods, and childhood experiences. Then, we'll move onto the low ropes course, working with the team to complete each element, though completion of each element is not often our main objective.
Facilitators will provide specific instructions for managing the risks of each activity. An activity may also be suspended at the discretion of the facilitator if safety becomes a concern.
Common Misconceptions
- I'm not strong enough to participate. Though some level of strength may be needed for individuals to complete some of our elements, working as a team or unit allows participants to combine strengths and overcome challenges that one person may not be able to succeed at alone.
- I’ll be forced to participate beyond my limits. We will not pressure you to do something you don’t want to do. We follow a philosophy of Challenge by Choice, which means it is up to the individual to choose the level of challenge they accept.
- I'm too old (or young) to participate. The Challenge Course is a fun activity for a wide age range of participants. To ensure our participants get the most out of their experience and due to equipment regulations, we require an age range of 15 and up.
Custom Event Pricing
Challenge Course Event Pricing | University Student Groups | University Departments/ Members | Public/ Non-Members | |
Standard Low Element Event (up to 15 Participants) | $195 | $250 | $275 | Custom Event Request Form |
Standard High Element Event (up to 15 Participants, 3 hours) | $295 | $375 | $415 | Custom Event Request Form |
Extras | ||||
Each Additional 15 Participants | $145 | $200 | $245 | |
Each Additional Hour | $100 | $125 | $140 | |
- A $75 non-refundable reservation fee is required for Public groups
- The reservation fee is applied to the event fee total
- Standard Event Includes
- 2 hours of facility access
- Facilitators
- All necessary equipment
- Setup & tear down
Courses | Accommodation | Time Frame | Goals | Custom Options |
High Ropes Course |
Min. 5 people Max. 40 people |
3-4 hours |
Team Development Group Problem Solving |
Yes |
Low Ropes Course |
Groups of 8 people Up to 100 total |
2-3 hours |
Facilitate Cohesion Teamwork |
Yes |
Submit a Custom Event Request
Contact Outdoor Recreation
- Email: outdoorrec@arizona.edu